It's that time of the season again—when the pressure cooker of the Premier League relegation battle sees multiple bottom-dwelling teams suddenly finding results at the same time. For Leeds, a home fixture against an already-relegated Burnley side, whose manager has just departed, presents a golden opportunity to ease the tension before daunting clashes with Spurs and West Ham.

Leeds will still be smarting from their FA Cup semi-final exit, knowing they left Wembley with regret. Meanwhile, Brentford's remarkable number of chances created at Old Trafford has Keith Andrews confident that if his side can replicate that performance, all three points are within reach. However, while the Bees eye a European spot, it's West Ham who have the more desperate incentive—a win would send Spurs to Villa Park the following day sitting five points from safety, a remarkable turnaround considering the Hammers were heading back into the bottom three in stoppage time last weekend.

Over at St. James' Park, the Toon Army may be relieved that only four fixtures remain; any more, and they could be nervously glancing over their shoulders at the relegation zone. Eddie Howe's side might feel the heat if Brighton arrive and take control, especially with sixth place potentially enough for Champions League qualification should Villa remain fifth and win the Europa League. Some Newcastle fans will argue that if the Seagulls can be part of that conversation in May, so should they.

Sunderland's recent form is a concern—conceding nine goals in their last two matches, uncharacteristic for a side that has defended stoutly all season. But if the price of avoiding a relegation scrap is a slight drop in intensity late in the campaign, the Black Cats would likely accept that trade-off.

Finally, as a Gooner, I wasn't surprised by the anxiety surrounding our approach against Newcastle. A young squad is on the verge of achieving something not done in 22 years, so tension was always going to be part of the run-in. The title race continues, and every point matters as Arsenal look to extend their gap at the top.